Australia Day = Beach + Cricket

What could be better than kicking back under a shady pandanus at QLD's best beach, listening to some great music and enjoying some cricket on Australia Day?

The Caloundra Cricket Club is hosting a Beach Party this Australia Day at Kings Beach.

The club is raising funds for their new indoor training facility, due to be constructed before the start of the next season.

The club is grabbing a prime shady spot at Kings Beach and is inviting all cricket (and beach) lovers to join them for what promises to be a great day out for the whole family. A mini cricket field will be set up in Lions Park and cricket lovers of all shapes and sizes will be invited to put their names down for a game.

There'll be a catching competition and a range of prizes on offer for the best cricket highlights on the day. The Brisbane heat will supply one of their mobile cricket nets and a speed gun so any budding Mitchell Starcs out there will be able to test their heat. John Stock, Queensland Cricket's General Manager -

Game and Market Development said there has been such a groundswell of support for the big bash this year and thinks this event is a great way to capitalise on the momentum. "We're happy to support this initiative by the Caloundra Cricket Club, an indoor training centre will be a great asset for Sunshine Coast cricketers and the region to attract high performance teams and matches " he said.

The Caloundra Cricket Club has already raised over $300,000 towards the building of their indoor training facility. Club president Sharn Benn said that they still have a way to go. "We have received great support for the project to date but we need to raise a bit more yet to build a state-of-the-art facility" he said.

The club will also play host to a triple J hottest 100 party for those who prefer to sit in the shade by the beach. A bar will operate throughout the day and great food will be available. 2 Screens will be set up to watch the Australia v India international T20 later in the evening.

The Australia Day Beach Party is free to attend and all are welcome. The event will kick off from 11am and finishes at the end of the T20 match.